Depression, anxiety, distress and somatization in asthmatic patients

ObjectiveThere is evidence that asthma is associated with an increase in psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, distress and somatization). The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of psychiatric disorders in adult asthmatic patients and to examine its relationship to asthma control.MethodsA cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 134 subjects (65 healthy volunteers, 69 asthmatic patients). The asthmatic patients were divided into 3 groups, according to GINA guidelines (GINA, 2010) [2] criteria for asthma control, and were subsequently compared to control groups in terms of demographic, clinical, and spirometric data, as well as The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire to assess psychological symptoms.ResultsThe sample was predominantly female 49 patients (71%). Of the 69 patients, 32 (46%) were classified as having uncontrolled asthma. Somatization, anxiety, depression, distress levels were higher among asthma patients compared to control and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). High levels of somatization and distress were found among uncontrolled asthma cases compared to partially and controlled cases with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). High levels of anxiety were found among uncontrolled and partially controlled asthma cases compared to controlled cases with no statistically significant difference. Low grade depression levels were noticed among controlled cases. High levels of anxiety were found among uncontrolled and partially controlled asthma cases compared to controlled cases with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). There was a negative weak correlation between psychiatric symptoms and age, duration of asthma and forced expiratory volume in the first second (p > 0.05).ConclusionsAsthmatic patients are at high risk of psychiatric problems, particularly depression, anxiety and somatization. Asthmatic patients need psychotherapy besides their medication of asthma to obtain better asthma out come and management.